This May we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) with “The James Bond Experience.” Featuring extensive contributions from Ian Fleming Foundation Board Member Colin Clark and the Library’s own Tony Letrich (Patron Services/Interlibrary Loan) and Matthew Hoffman (Patron Services), our exhibit includes memorabilia from the Bond universe.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was the last of the great Bond films from the 1960s. Starring George Lazenby (in his only outing as Agent 007) and Diana Rigg (of TV’s The Avengers), the film has been universally acknowledged as one of the finest in the series. A new director, Peter Hunt, brought a dynamic style that energized the film, particularly in the editing. The filmmakers got the series back to basics with a story more about character than gadgets.
In addition to items related specifically to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, there are collectibles from many of the classic films in the long-running series. Since 1962 with the release of Dr. No, the James Bond films have become a pop culture phenomenon around the world. “Bond Mania” hit its peak in the mid-1960s with the release of Thunderball (1965). The films continue to this day, having set new standards of excellence in the action genre. “Bond 25” is currently in production and is set to be released in 2020.
This display celebrates some of the craziness and fun of one of the most popular movie franchises.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service will be screened on May 15, 2019, as part of the Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series.
